Local state lawmakers are optimistic about legislation to help fund the Mirror Pond project. The House Land Use Committee unanimously approved the bill this week, which would allow the state to raise $5 million through lottery bonds for the project.

The bill's sponsor, State Representative Knute Buehler, says now a local utility has expressed interest in buying the Newport dam. "We're very happy the Tumalo Irrigation District, a key component, is also considering removing one of its dams and taking over ownership of the Newport Dam," Buehler says. "That is quite a development that lends enormous momentum to the whole vision."

The irrigation district is looking at redesigning the dam and continuing to use it to generate electricity.

The public hearing in Salem brought out many public officials who are supporters of the legislation, including City Councilor Victor Chudowsky.

"The idea behind the project is to reconnect people to the river and create economic catalyst for downtown development," Chudowsky says. "It would create a pedestrian walkway to enjoy the river in a more natural state, and we're looking for some seed money and to help the public-private partnerships to have this move in the right direction for our city."